This week is Dementia Action Week (September 16 – 22 September) – further information and resources can be found here.
The Meaningful Engagement Mentors (MEMs) program, is a 12-week training initiative by Dementia Australia aimed at equipping aged care staff to provide individualised engagement activities for residents living with dementia. It was awarded highly commended in the 2024 Future of Ageing Awards.
By fostering person-centred care, MEMs enhance both resident well-being and staff job satisfaction. Through mentorship and shared dementia-specific knowledge, the program improves teamwork and communication among caregivers and strengthens relationships with residents’ families. The program has been implemented across multiple care homes nationally, driving a holistic approach to improving the quality of life for residents with dementia.
Reason for Implementation
The MEMs program was created to address the challenge of engagement among aged care residents living with dementia, many of whom had become withdrawn from daily activities. This disengagement often led to increased behaviours related to their condition, such as anxiety and aggression. Factors contributing to this issue included stigma around dementia, limited resources, and a lack of tailored, person-centred care.
Recognising these gaps, the MEMs program was designed to provide dementia-specific training to caregivers, helping them to plan and deliver individualised activities. By enabling care staff to focus on residents’ interests, the program promotes meaningful engagement, leading to improved mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Additionally, the program seeks to build confidence in caregivers, offering them ongoing mentorship, support, and practical knowledge to improve their ability to deliver quality dementia care.
How it Works
The MEMs program is conducted over 12 weeks, during which aged care workers participate in training, coaching, and hands-on projects. Participants choose a resident to work with, learn about their life stories, and develop personalised activities tailored to their interests. The program also encourages staff to collaborate with families to better understand residents’ needs, leading to more effective and engaging care plans.
A key component of the program is its focus on mentorship. Staff who complete the training become mentors within their aged care facility, sharing their knowledge with other staff members to embed best practices across the team. This mentor-to-mentee structure ensures that dementia-specific care becomes a sustained, integral part of the facility’s operations, benefiting all residents.
The program also includes a final celebration day where caregivers, residents, and families gather to reflect on the success of the engagement projects. This event often fosters emotional connections, as families witness firsthand the positive impact on their loved ones’ lives.
“Very positive initiative with incredibly moving testimonials – very individualsied care through scaleable rollout – love it!”
2024 Future of Ageing Awards judge
Evidence of Success
Since its launch, over 400 staff members across Australia have completed the MEMs program, directly improving the care for more than 400 residents and their families. Participants have reported enhanced dementia knowledge, improved communication, and a deeper sense of purpose in their caregiving roles. Many residents, previously disengaged, have shown significant improvements in social interaction and participation in daily activities.
For instance, one resident, who had been considered “too hard to manage” by multiple care facilities, showed a remarkable reduction in falls and behavioural issues after receiving personalised attention from a trained caregiver. Another resident, who was deaf and previously refused assistance, began to engage in care activities after the introduction of a voice-to-text app, allowing her to communicate more effectively with staff and her sister.
Feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with caregivers noting a renewed sense of fulfilment in their roles. One staff member highlighted the program’s impact by stating, “It is not about having time, but about making time,” emphasising the importance of prioritising meaningful engagement in dementia care.
The MEMs program has proven to be an effective and sustainable model for improving dementia care in residential and community settings. By focusing on individualised engagement, fostering strong relationships between caregivers, residents, and families, and developing a culture of continuous learning, the program significantly enhances the quality of life for people living with dementia. Through ongoing mentorship, MEMs ensure that best practices are maintained and that dementia-specific care remains a top priority in aged care homes.
The MEMs program stands as an exemplary model of person-centred care in aged care, promoting both resident well-being and staff development.
